Columbia Weather Systems

  The HBEP is one of the cleanest power generation plants in California. Harnessing Weather Data for Energy Forecasting AES is a global energy company that has purchased CWS weather stations for several US project locations since 2012. Ellie Thacker, CWS Technical Sales Engineer, recently got a site tour and sends the following report: The  Huntington Beach Energy Project (HBEP) , located in Huntington Beach, California, began operation in 2020. The HBEP is an 844-megawatt power generation plant that uses a natural gas-fired, combined-cycle turbine and a simple-cycle turbine. The HBEP is one of the cleanest power generation plants in California due to its emissions control equipment. The Challenge Gas-fired turbines run more efficiently when the ambient temperature is lower. When the ambient air is colder, it is denser, which means more air can fit in the given volume that passes through the machinery. Relative humidity also affects the efficiency of the turbines. John Islas, ...

On October 17th, we join communities across the U.S. to recognize Imagine a Day Without Water , a day to highlight the importance of safe, accessible water—our most valuable resource. This resource wouldn't be possible without local water reclamation operations like Bloomington-Normal in Illinois. Committed to protect public health and the environment, they have won 12 Gold Peak Performance Awards from the NACWA and the 2018 Plant of the Year award from the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators. The plant relies on five Orion™ Weather Stations to monitor on-site conditions at the district’s water treatment locations for regulatory reporting. Learn more about Imagine a Day Without Water HERE Discover how on-site weather data is critical for wastewater system resiliency HERE Photos courtesy of Bloomington-Normal Reclamation District

As Hurricane Milton makes its approach from the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida, Cloud Weather Server screenshots from a utility customer in the Keys show high wind speeds and a drop in barometric pressure. Weather conditions affect their operations and impacts decision making, as shown in a customized screen. Our thoughts are with all who are affected by this powerful storm.